‘Today’s Jenna Bush Hager & Sheinelle Jones Playfully Shade Other Morning TV Halloween Episodes
What To Know
- Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones praised the Today cast and crew’s dedication to their annual Halloween episodes.
- The cohosts subtly shaded other morning news shows for pulling back their Halloween celebrations in recent years.
- Jones recently revealed which of her past Today Halloween costumes she stole after the show.
For Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, Today has no competition when it comes to celebrating Halloween on morning TV.
The NBC morning show is known for its Halloween special episodes, where its hosts impress viewers with over-the-top, creative, elaborate costumes. In recent years, hosts on competitor news shows such as Good Morning America and CBS Mornings have not dressed in costumes for their Halloween broadcasts.
On the Tuesday, October 27, episode of Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, Jones noted that fans have continuously questioned her about what the Today hosts’ 2026 costumes will be. “I went to a wedding this weekend. One of our colleagues’ daughters got married, and the groom is from Chicago,” she shared. “And the entire time on the dance floor — and my colleagues can attest to this — all people wanted to talk about was this Friday and Halloween.”
Bush Hager added, “You know what’s fun, and it sort of speaks to this place? It used to be where all the shows — and some still definitely do — all the morning shows did it, and ABC would do it, and I don’t think they do it anymore.”
Jones quipped, “I remember the year that we dropped the mic, and everybody just said, ‘You know what? Let’s just let the Today show have it.’”
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While other shows have pulled back on their Halloween celebrations, Bush Hager said the Today cast and crew have only grown more dedicated to the on-air spectacle. “We’re a bunch of enthusiasts around here. We won’t give up,” she said. “We’re gonna keep going, even though it’s not really a competition. To us, it’s like, ‘How good is it?’ It matters.”
Jones wrapped up the conversation by joking, “I remember one year they said, ‘Guys, no one is doing it anymore. They’ve given it to the Today show.’”
Today will air its annual Halloween episode on Friday, October 30. Over the years, the hosts have worn many memorable costumes, including characters from classic fairy tales, the Star Wars franchise, famous Saturday Night Live sketches, the Peanuts crew, and more.
In recent years, the hosts have dressed as famous Las Vegas performers, music stars, and iconic movie characters. Last year’s theme had the hosts dress as important figures and characters from across the country, including Sylvester Stallone‘s Rocky, Prince, and Beyoncé.
On the Thursday, October 22, episode of Jenna & Sheinelle, Jones revealed that she stole one of her previous Today Halloween costumes. “Can I tell you a little secret? So, they’re very strict about the Halloween costumes here on the Today show, right? I’m almost scared to say it, but the statute of limitations, I think I’m good. So you’re not supposed to wear the costumes,” she told Bush Hager. “Can I tell you which one I took? I’m just worried that the 30 Rock guys will come and find me. You’re never gonna find it, where I hid it. When I was Janet Jackson, I was out!”
She added, “I remember I wore it to the Village, I was walking around … it was very military-esque. You remember ‘Rhythm Nation’? And I remember all the kids were like, ‘Are you a police officer?’”
Today, Weekdays, 7 am/6c, NBC
Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, Weekdays, 10 am, NBC
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